In what is being touted as a major coup, FUBU Records has signed the Detroit-based rapper Drunken Master to a recording contract.
FUBU beat out a number of other labels to sign the highly courted artist, whose song “Fifty Playas Deep” is currently #1 on Detroit radio. The deal represents the label’s first signing through its joint venture arrangement with Universal Records.
Produced, written and performed by Drunken Master, “Fifty Playas Deep” is an anthem to the streets. Detroit-based rapper Lola Damone – who was also recently signed to FUBU Records – appears as a guest on the track, which will be issued nationally in late June. The song originally hit the streets in August 2000, but began picking up steam this past February. Since then it has become the #1 song on Detroit Urban Radio. Detroit is the country’s sixth largest radio market. The record’s huge success prompted a bidding war among record labels to sign the rapper.
Drunken Master’s debut album is currently in the works, and is targeted for release in 2002. Already well known amongst the music industry ranks, Drunken Master got his start by deejaying for artists such as producer/rapper Dr. Dre. He has also appeared as a guest on records by Kurupt, Redman, Busta Rhymes and Lil Zane.
A video is currently being shot for the song, which will be featured on the forthcoming FB Entertainment Goodlife compilation album.